Mojang
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There's no single-player video games in the top 20 most played PS5 games in July
Live service and sports games continue to dominate the most played lists on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, with single-player titles absent from the top 20 in July. Fortnite remains the most popular game, with titles like Roblox, Minecraft, and annual sports sequels filling out the charts. Data from Circana analyst Mat Piscatella indicates a strong preference for ongoing multiplayer experiences over traditional offline games.
One Minecraft modder has casually been besieged by exploding apples
A Minecraft player encountered a bizarre bug where picking apples from a modded tree caused massive explosions. The issue was traced to the SoundBarrier mod, which incorrectly applied its supersonic sound effects to falling apples.
Xbox to invest in Minecraft 'more than ever before'
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced in an internal memo that the company plans to invest in Minecraft more than ever before to achieve double-digit player growth and industry-leading margins by fiscal year 2030. This increased investment aims to strengthen existing experiences and expand creation tools, while also exploring expansion into markets like China and other media ventures.
Minecraft Java Edition system requirements want 8/16 GB RAM for the first time, but it isn't more demanding now, Microsoft just hadn't updated the specs in a while
Microsoft has updated the system requirements for Minecraft Java Edition, now recommending 16 GB of RAM and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 or equivalent GPU for optimal performance. The company states these changes reflect the current state of the game and are not indicative of increased demand, but rather an update to ensure a smooth player experience and allow for future modernization.
Halo’s PlayStation Debut Could Also Be Its Farewell
Microsoft's Xbox division is undergoing a significant strategic shift, moving away from broad multi-platform releases like Halo: Campaign Evolved towards a renewed focus on console exclusivity. This change, spearheaded by CEO Asha Sharma, involves scaling back the Xbox division and potentially canceling unannounced titles, though games already expected on other platforms will proceed. The article analyzes the implications of this shift for future Halo titles and the broader gaming landscape, considering factors like sales, player acquisition, and potential exclusive benefits for Xbox players.
The Xbox Characters That Defined 25 Years of Gaming
This article examines the iconic characters that have defined Xbox's 25-year history, from Master Chief and Marcus Fenix to Minecraft Steve and Ori. These characters represent the evolution of Xbox from a console newcomer to a multi-platform gaming brand, highlighting shifts in game design, company acquisitions, and the importance of personality in brand identity.
Minecraft and Hytale's devs agreed their games needed to feel "more different." Now it's finally happening.
Hytale is evolving to feel distinct from Minecraft, with its developers aiming for deeper RPG and adventure elements. This strategic divergence, agreed upon by both Mojang's Jens Bergensten and Hytale's Simon Collins-Laflamme, allows both games to offer unique experiences within the voxel sandbox genre.
Minecraft promo codes for Jul 2026 | 10% OFF
This guide details how to use promotional codes for Minecraft merchandise purchased through the official Minecraft Shop. It clarifies that these codes are not valid for digital products or console store purchases. The article also outlines shipping options, the returns policy, and various saving tips, including sales, volume discounts, newsletter sign-ups, and how PC Gamer sources and tests coupon codes.
"We thought, well, how would we reinvent this wheel?" – Minecraft specialists 4J Studios on building a new sandbox crafting game from first principles
Dundee-based 4J Studios, known for porting Minecraft, is developing its own sandbox crafting game called Reforj. Driven by a desire to innovate beyond Minecraft and a pragmatic need for new revenue streams after Microsoft brought more development in-house, 4J has created the Elements Engine, designed for high performance on consoles and featuring advanced sculpting and circuit systems. Reforj will also integrate a narrative from the outset, differentiating it from Minecraft's more open-ended approach.
Verity Minecraft mod surpasses 4.9 million downloads in under a month as viral horror sensation continues
A Minecraft mod based on the viral horror sensation 'Verity' has achieved over 4.9 million downloads in less than a month since its release on June 16. The mod, available for Bedrock Edition, recreates the yellow, smiley-faced orb from the popular YouTube video, allowing players to interact with it and experience its nightmarish transformation. Several other mods based on the Verity phenomenon have also seen significant download numbers.
The Elder Scrolls 6 Is Looking More Troubled Than Ever
Recent layoffs at Xbox-owned studios, including Bethesda Game Studios, are raising concerns about the development of The Elder Scrolls 6. The article suggests that the removal of experienced personnel and reliance on contractors could lead to further delays and negatively impact the game's quality. This situation is viewed as a "spreadsheet decision" by Xbox, prioritizing cost-cutting over the franchise's long-term success.
The Minecraft Movie votes are in and, despite controversy, everyone's a winner
Mojang Studios announced the winner of the community build competition for A Minecraft Movie Squared, with Francisco C.M.'s 'Lightning Rod Lighthouse' selected to appear in the film. Despite a rule violation disqualifying the 'Tree Village' build, Mojang decided to include all finalists, including the 'Copper Badlands Castle' and 'Tranquil Taiga Tower,' to showcase community creativity. The movie is set to release on July 23, 2027.
Matthew Ball was hired to help fix Xbox. Will gamers like what he prescribes?
Analyst Matthew Ball has been hired by Xbox as chief strategy officer to help revitalize the company's business. Ball, a proponent of the metaverse and user-generated content, is expected to influence Xbox's future direction, potentially drawing inspiration from platforms like Roblox and Epic Games' Unreal Engine. This comes as Xbox undergoes significant restructuring, including layoffs and studio closures.
Xbox After The Layoffs: Studios Left And What They’re Making
Xbox has undergone significant restructuring, including layoffs and the divestment of five studios, as it aims to increase profitability and focus on major intellectual properties. This shake-up impacts numerous development teams and projects across Xbox Game Studios, Activision, Blizzard, and Bethesda, with a renewed focus on core franchises and a shift in business strategies like the exclusion of Call of Duty from Xbox Game Pass day-one launches.
Xbox needs to make a choice, says former PlayStation leader Shawn Layden: be a publisher or a platform, but you can't be both
Former PlayStation leader Shawn Layden argues that Xbox must choose between being a major game publisher or a platform holder, stating it cannot effectively be both. He highlights the need for exclusive content to support a platform, contrasting it with the multiplatform approach required for a top publisher, a dilemma exacerbated by recent Xbox layoffs and strategic shifts.
"We mean business" - Bethesda union members to march in protest of sweeping Xbox job cuts
Bethesda Game Studios union members are planning protests against recent layoffs impacting Microsoft's Xbox division. The union criticizes Microsoft's framing of the cuts and asserts their legal right to bargain over the impact of these layoffs, demanding preferential transfers, stronger severance, and recall rights for affected workers. The layoffs have reportedly caused plummeting morale and may significantly affect the development of The Elder Scrolls 6.
US Federal Reserve taps Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, who just laid off 3,200 employees, to lead task force on jobs
The Federal Reserve has appointed Xbox CEO Asha Sharma to lead a task force on employment and productivity. Sharma, who recently oversaw significant layoffs at Xbox, will work alongside other experts to assess the economic impact of new technologies like artificial intelligence. This appointment comes shortly after a major reorganization within Xbox, affecting studios like Mojang and King.
MMO Business Roundup: Marathon’s lawsuit, the Sony petition, TGS 2026, and Minecraft’s fate
This MMO business roundup covers several key events, including the settlement of a lawsuit filed by former Marathon game director Christopher Barrett against Sony and Bungie. It also highlights an online petition by PNP Games urging Sony to continue supporting physical media, which has garnered a significant number of signatures. Additionally, Nexon announced its presence at Tokyo Game Show, and an article from Gamespot questions Microsoft's strategy for Minecraft's future, suggesting a focus on competing with Roblox could be detrimental.
YouTuber gets Minecraft running on an original Game Boy Color, and it even looks kinda playable
YouTuber Game of Tobi has successfully ported Minecraft to the original Game Boy Color, creating a functional 3D version of the game. While not the full experience, the port allows players to walk around and break/place blocks. A black and white version also runs on the original Game Boy.
Report: Obsidian to work on Fallout title as unannounced projects cancelled
Obsidian Entertainment is reportedly developing a new Fallout game, led by Fallout: New Vegas director Josh Sawyer, as part of a wider Xbox restructuring that has led to the cancellation of several unannounced projects and layoffs. A small team will continue work on an Avowed sequel, while others focus on DLC for The Outer Worlds 2 and Grounded 2. This news follows a significant increase in Fallout game sales after the premiere of the Prime Video adaptation.
